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Documents Relating to New Zealand's Participation in the Second World War 1939–45: Volume III
230 — Despatch from the Governor of Fiji1 to the Governor-General of New Zealand
230
Despatch from the Governor of Fiji1 to the Governor-General of New Zealand
My Lord
,With reference to Recommendation No. 33 of the Wellington Defence Conference Report2 to the effect that the New Zealand Government should consider reinforcing the local Defence Forces in the south-west Pacific generally, and in Fiji in particular, by despatching there a Brigade Group when the emergency arises, I understand from the Secretary of State for the Colonies3 that His Majesty's Government in New Zealand have not as yet indicated officially whether or not they accept this Recommendation.
2 As, however, it will clearly be necessary for your Government to concert with the Fiji Government in advance the necessary arrangements to facilitate the reception of the Brigade should it be sent, I have the honour to inquire if your Government considers that the time has arrived when it would be convenient for preliminary arrangements to be considered between the two Governments concerned.
I have the honour to be,
My Lord,
Your Lordship's most obedient servant
,(Sgd) H. C. Luke
Governor
1 Sir Harry Luke, KCMG; Governor and Commander-in-Chief, Fiji, and High Commissioner for the Western Pacific, 1938–42.
2 The Defence Conference was held in Wellington on 14–26 Apr 1939, and was attended by delegations from the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand.
3 Rt. Hon. Malcolm MacDonald, PC; Secretary of State for the Colonies, 1938 – May 1940.